[mytailorisrich]

> "What is the difference between an interface and an abstract class in Java?"

This sort of question is quite common when interviewing for a dev. position. There may also be a short coding test to take during the interview, which will test both your reasoning skills and your dev. skills.

If the job is to develop in Java, for example, and since you put on your CV that you know Java (since you got a face to face interview) they will probably quiz you a bit to check to actual knowledge and experience of the language.

I would definitely prepare for this sort of relatively basic questions.

[charmides]

Do you frequently get direct questions about your technical knowledge during interviews or is your experience more like mine?

[mytailorisrich]

I had direct questions similar to the one you describe in all interviews for hands-on technical positions I can remember.

[charmides]

Sounds like my experience is more unusual then. I would love to hear from other people. Java has been front and center on my CV since I graduated from college and for the ~10 mid-size and small companies that I've interviewed at, not a single one has put me on the spot regarding my knowledge. Not that I would mind. My partner was a little thrown off, though.